(May 29, 2020) Do you raise nursery or aquaculture products or cut flowers? Do you grow something else that wasn’t included in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP)? USDA is looking for data on agricultural commodities that were left off the financial assistance program. Read more here.

(May 19, 2020) The USDA has released details of the direct payments included in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Beginning May 26, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin accepting applications from agricultural producers who have suffered losses. You can find program details on ourUSDA subpage.

The following is a statement from Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert, Jr.:

“Illinois Farm Bureau is most appreciative of the actions taken by the Trump Administration and Congress to help mitigate the damages incurred by the pandemic on our supply chain and our markets.These direct payments are an economic lifeline for many Illinois farmers struggling to operate through pronounced hardships and the beginning of necessary aid as they navigate through financial uncertainty for years to come. “

(May 18, 2020) The Small Business Administration released loan forgiveness guidance and the application for borrowers to apply for loan forgiveness. Borrowers are responsible for initiating the forgiveness request with lenders, starting mid-June. You can read more details and access the instructions and application on our Federal Stimulus page.

(May 15, 2020) USDA CFAP : Getting Ready to Apply. Date for application is not opened, but you can get ready now. Read more on our USDA page.

(May 1, 2020) Illinois farmers may sign up for WHIP+ Quality Loss Payments by contacting their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office and setting up an appointment.All counties are eligible for losses caused by excessive moisture due to a USDA disaster declaration last year. Applications are available here.

(April 30, 2020) The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act requires entity recipients of federal financial assistance to have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and to maintain current registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) database.

(April 28, 2020)President Trump announced an Executive Order invoking the Defense Production Act with Respect to Food Supply Chain Resources. Read more on ourlivestock Page.

(April 23, 2020) Congress has approved an additional $484 billion in coronavirus relieffor small businesses as well as funding for hospitals and expanded medical testing. Farmers are eligible to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. Find application details on ourfederal stimulus page.

(April 20, 2020) USDA has announced detailsof the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Read more on ourUSDA page. You can also read analysis from the American Farm Bureau Federation here. We await official rules on that program.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: You can learn about Economic Programs as details are released on ourfederal stimulus page.

(May 8, 2020) An emergency rulemaking went into effect to provide regulatory relief for livestock farmers during this difficult time. Read more on our Livestock page.

(May 5, 2020) Governor J.B. Pritzker has released “Restore Illinois”, a 5-Phase plan to reopen the state. The plan sets guidelines for geographical regions of the state to work through before certain restrictions can be lifted.

(May 4, 2020) Illinois Farm Bureau has been in steady communications with University of Illinois Extension and 4-H regarding summer programming. As conditions change, and as subsequent decision dates occur, we will communicate with you. Read the Extension announcement here.

(May 4, 2020) If you are a livestock producer considering overstocking as a temporary option, and you are a pork producer, you can contact Mike Borgic (mike@ilpork.com) for information on necessary steps. If you raise other livestock, please reach out to Tasha Bunting (tbunting@ilfb.org) for details on necessary steps. Both IDOA and IEPA expect all facilities to continue to operate in a manner that protects the public and the environment. If you are concerned about environmental compliance, please contact Lauren Lurkins (llurkins@ilfb.org).

(May 1, 2020) The Governor, in collaboration with the United Way of Illinois and the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations has raised more than $30 million for those individuals, families, and communities hardest hit by COVID-19. Find more information at www.ilcovidresponsefund.org.

(April 30, 2020)Governor J.B. Pritzker has officially extended the state disaster proclamation and associated stay at home order for Illinois. You can find those here:

Join the Conversation

Illinois Farm Bureau provides daily coronavirus updates on the RFD Radio Network’s RFD Todayprogram. We want to know how the pandemic is affecting farmers in your area and help answer questions you may have. Submit your question or comment by email or tweet us at @FarmWeekNow. Tune in to your local RFD affiliate or listen to the podcast here.

Educational Materials for Adults

Don’t forget to sign up for the University of Illinois FarmDoc team regular a series of webinars to discuss the impact the coronavirus crisis on Corn Belt agriculture.